Here at Reasons to Be Beautiful, we like our readers to discover blogs that inspire women all over the country to feel deserving of their true beauty. Lucy at ‘Beauty and the Blogger’ provides readers with beauty regimes, product reviews and fashion advice. With over 551 followers and counting, Lucy is more than just a beauty therapist, she is an advocate for success and entrepreneurship with her work as a Business student.
Lucy tells us all of her resolutions, dreams and beauty secrets – oh, and did we forget to mention that she appreciates natural beauty over synthetic?
RTBB: How did your blogging journey begin?
Lucy: I’ve always enjoyed writing and it’s something I used to do a lot of when I was younger. It’s kind of fallen by the wayside as I’ve got older and I realised I missed it. I’ve also always been interested in beauty products and treatments, so after using blogs to read reviews of products and research things I wanted to buy I decided to have a go myself! When I first started I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing and just wrote about bits and pieces but as time has went on (two years now!) I hope my writing and what I’m writing about has improved a bit!
RTBB:What discoveries most surprised you during your experience through blogging?
L: Firstly, how nice everyone is – there’s a real community feel in blogging and for the most part everyone supports each other, gets along and enjoys seeing one another at events and launches. I don’t know what I expected but it’s really lovely. When I first started out, I had no idea that some bloggers are really highly regarded and well-respected in their industry, or that people actually blogged professionally, and got paid for doing so – I think it really shows that brands are realising the importance of social media and the direct, unbiased contact that bloggers have with their readers.
RTBB: What are your top five beauty must-haves?
L: False eyelashes – I’ve got tiny natural lashes so for a night out falsies are an absolute must for me, MAC 7’s are my favourite ones but there are some great high street ones out there too
MAC lipstick – Chatterbox is my favourite
Illamasqua Powder Blush in Ambition
A good foundation; Estee Lauder Doublewear, Dior Skin Nude, Chanel and Revlon Photo ready are all ones that I use regularly and really like
Perfume – I tend to rotate what perfume I use but I have a few standard favourites.
RTBB: What’s your secret beauty weapon?
L: Foundation and concealer can hide a multitude of sins as well as protecting your skin from the elements. If I’m going out of the house, I’ll always at least have concealer on, even if I don’t bother with mascara or lip gloss.
RTBB: What is your daily beauty regime?
L: I don’t do anything that special from day to day if I’m at work. When I first get up I’ll wash my face either with Dermalogica or Sanctuary products and apply either Gatineau or Clinique moisturiser. Once I’m dressed I’ll apply my make up and do my hair – I try not to heat style my hair too much so I tend to just tie it back or put it in up. At the end of the day I always take my make up off and cleanse my face, moisturise my face, have a shower and wash my hair every other day. I’m bad at remembering to moisturise my body so only remember to do it about once a week or so.
RTBB: As a beauty expert, what in your opinion was the best product that came out in 2011?
L: I don’t know if I’d call myself a beauty expert, more an enthusiastic follower of beauty trends but one of my favourite things that actually launched in 2010 but I think really took off in 2011 was CND Shellac and all the other gel/polish hybrids that popped up along the way. I think it really helps to maintain a groomed appearance whilst still looking natural and is something that is quite accessible to everyone.
RTBB: What do you hope from new products in 2012?
L: I’d like a bit more emphasis on looking natural – don’t get me wrong, I’m no stranger to a bit of fakery myself but I think that things like false nails, eyelashes, extensions, or tan should enhance what you already have rather than looking blatantly false. There’s no need to look like a caricature of yourself, or someone else you’re trying to emulate.
RTBB: Do you believe that female success relies on beauty?
L: It depends what you’re looking to be successful in, for example if it’s modelling or similar then chances are you have to conform to a pre-defined idea of beauty – but I would hope that in 2012 that success is measured on what you can do and what you’ve achieved rather than how you look. However, in saying that, I think that looking groomed is something that can be helpful in a business environment for both men and women but again it depends where you work and what you’re doing.
RTBB: How would you define a “beautiful” person?
L: In terms of looks, I think it really does just boil down to individual preference but there are so many other ways that I think a person can be considered beautiful rather than just what’s on the outside – in personality, selflessness, how you treat others, coming through a terrible situation as a better person etc. At the end of the day, “beauty” (as in the way you look) fades so I think it’s important to be bringing something else to the table than just a pretty face.
RTBB: Do you have any beauty New Year resolutions?
L: I’m overhauling my diet and exercise regime, I’ve been a bit lax with both towards the end of the year and it’s time to get back on track! Not just to lose weight – I’ve never been skinny and I never will be – but to feel better in myself and to make sure I stay healthy!
Check out Lucy’s blog here!
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